Mother Nature hasn't been kind to us over the last two weeks but, if it's any consolation, the first day of Spring will be here on Tuesday.  Let's hope the weather forecaster's prediction of a "Southern Storm" that day is an early April Fools' Day joke.

            We're all ready for winter to say good-bye but, perhaps, not nearly as ready as our region's volunteer firefighter and fire police.

            With three "Nor'easter" storms over the past two weeks bring varying degrees of snow and rain; it was the winds that brought us the most damage.

            The news constantly reports on the progress of the power-outages and the number of crews on the job here – from local power companies and out-of-staters.  Their efforts are truly noticed and appreciated.

            They bring our communities back into the light from a frigid dark.

            Our road crews often are called upon to perform Herculean efforts as they labor to keep our roads open and passable. 

            In their jobs, police and emergency medical crews stand ready to help those in need – a grueling task they handle well. 

            Also coming with those storms were scores of emergency calls to our local volunteer firefighters and fire police.

            The responded to everything from road closures caused by downed trees and wires, to vehicle accidents on slippery roads, and major, multi-alarm building fires.

            They are volunteers.  Whether at work or at home, with friends or family, in the middle of a meal or in the shower, their life goes on hold while they respond to the alarm. 

            Often in red trucks and wearing uniform fire protective "gear," they have been dubbed "The Crimson Militia" – ready at a moment's notice to come to the aid of their neighbors. 

            There are times when they're gone for hours on end.  It's time they can never recover. Yet, they don't complain. They just do what they've trained to do; what they promised to do.

            They take their responsibility to the community very seriously. After all, they volunteer to perform the sometimes dangerous job they do.

            And, we're glad they do it.

            These folks are also good at multitasking. Not only do they respond to emergencies in the community, they are also responsible for raising much of the money needed to do their job.

            Yes, municipalities make donations to the fire companies, but often it is less than 5 percent of what is needed to provide the emergency services they provide.

            With one fire truck costing anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million, and the cost to compensate a full-time staff of firefighter exceeding $700,000 per year, you can see how your volunteers affect the taxpayers wallet.

            So here's to the Crimson Militia – we're proud of you and glad you're there for us when needed.

            And, we hope those you serve will be there for you with their support and donations.